In a series of posts on X, Gen. Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, wrote: “In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.” He further stated that NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor “will not re-open without my permission,” escalating concerns over press freedom in the East African nation.

Shortly after the statements, security personnel were deployed to the premises of Nation Media Group Uganda, preventing staff from entering or leaving the compound. NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and several affiliated radio stations were taken off the air, while operations at the Daily Monitor were also disrupted.

The closures have drawn widespread criticism from journalists, media organizations, and human rights advocates, who described the move as one of the most serious attacks on independent journalism in Uganda in recent years.

The developments come at a politically sensitive time following President Museveni’s latest inauguration and amid growing speculation that Gen. Muhoozi is positioning himself as his father’s eventual successor.

Political analysts say the military chief has become increasingly influential in Uganda’s political landscape through a series of controversial public statements and actions that have fueled debate about the future of governance in the country.

Opposition figures, press freedom organizations, and civil society groups have condemned the shutdowns, warning that restricting independent media undermines democratic accountability and the public’s right to access information.

Uganda has long faced criticism from international watchdogs over the treatment of journalists, opposition politicians, and civil society activists, with concerns that civic space has continued to shrink in recent years.

The latest crackdown has intensified fears of a broader deterioration in civil liberties as Uganda moves further into a politically charged period. Observers warn that continued restrictions on the media could deepen domestic tensions and attract increased scrutiny from regional and international partners concerned about democratic governance and freedom of expression.

The post Uganda’s Political Crisis Deepens as General Muhoozi Declares, “There Is No Free Press” and Shuts Down Major News Channels appeared first on Kaab TV.

On Thursday, 14 August, Abukar Mohamed Keynan, a reporter for Radio Risaala and TV, was seized and beaten—struck with the barrel of a gun, slapped, and kicked—while covering an armed clash between two rival government forces over a planned eviction in Hodan district, Mogadishu.

His cameraman managed to flee, but Abukar could not escape. Armed officers apprehended him, handcuffed him, and forced him to lie on the ground. Three officers whom Abukar described as members of the Haramcad (a Turkish-trained police unit) and the police-military (trained in Uganda)—kicked him repeatedly with their boots.

Abukar sustained bruises across upper part of his body and a swollen upper lip. He was kept handcuffed under the scorching sun for two hours before being released. Scared and feeling pain, he was unable to continue his journalism work for the rest of the day.

The journalists had been at Tarabuunka junction, Mogadishu, where Somali government forces attempting to forcibly evict families from a former football field in the Horseed area of Hodan district engaged in deadly fighting with a rival government force, mainly from the Somali National Army (SNA), which opposed the eviction. The eviction operation was led by Abdihakim Eeldheer, a relative of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and recently appointed commander of the Haramcad unit, while the rival SNA forces were led by a former military general.

The full-day fighting caused multiple casualties, including civilians, and displaced many families living in the area.

Journalists working for several other channels told SJS that they narrowly escaped capture while reporting on Thursday’s clashes, as Haramcad police and other armed men chased them. As a result, local journalists had to rely on sharing material, as only a few were able to record footage from the scene. Journalists reported seeing several bodies lying in the area while they were being chased away.

On Thursday, police officers in Wadajir district, Mogadishu, confiscated the journalistic equipment of Mowlid Osman Bootaan, a cameraman with Shabelle TV, while he was recording a protest by internally displaced families living in the Wadajir district who complained that the government had evicted them and sold the land to businessmen. According to the journalist, the Wadajir police station commander had given the order to seize his equipment. He was held inside the station for several hours before being released, but only after the footage was wiped from his camera.

On Thursday, armed NISA and police officers were deployed on the roads leading to the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu, blocking a dozen of local journalists who were on their way to cover an opposition meeting at the hotel. Some journalists told SJS that the NISA officers were aggressive and threatened them with physical harm if they attempted to proceed to the meeting. As a result, some journalists returned without covering the event, while others later managed to sneak in.

An editor working for a local TV station told SJS that in recent weeks, NISA has increased its surveillance of reporters, particularly along Maka al Mukarama Street, near the Jazeera Hotel, and at Aden Adde International Airport, where many international diplomats are based. The editor said that his colleagues had been blocked, had their equipment confiscated, and had their footage deleted during various assignments—making it increasingly difficult for journalists to safely go out in search of news stories in Mogadishu.

“We strongly condemn the Thursday’s brutal assault on our colleague journalist Abukar Mohamed Keynan of Risaala Media Corporation. Beating, handcuffing, forcing to lie under the scorching sun and humiliating a reporter for doing his job is a blatant attack on press freedom and a human rights violation. We demand those who carried this attack to be identified immediately and held to account,” said  SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We also denounce the seizure of a journalist Mowlid Osman’s camera, and erasing footage, and detaining him which is not only unlawful but also a clear effort to censor the truth. Hassan Sheikh’s regime and the corrupt police must be reminded that the press has the right to report without fear of reprisal, and no matter how hard the regime tries to cover up its crimes—including evicting vulnerable families, targeting women and children, beating journalists and denying them their basic right to live in dignity—the regime’s actions remains exposed.” adds Mr. Mumin.

The post Mogadishu Journalists Face Wave of Attacks Amid Evictions and Armed Clashes in the Capital appeared first on Kaab TV.

SJS has documented 10 new cases of journalist arrests, detention, and with some ending in sham court trials involving intimidation tactics between March and July 2025. SJS urges Somaliland authorities to stop targeting journalists perceived as critical of state officials and to respect its own constitution, which clearly guarantees freedom of the media.

On 1 July 2025, Somaliland police in Hargeisa arrested journalist Yasir Ahmed Abdillahi while he was staying at a hotel in downtown Hargeisa. On 30 June, he had published a video on his Facebook page, which has over 102,000 followers, commenting on Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro’s visit to Doha, Qatar, describing it as “low level” and stating that “Qatar welcomed the Somaliland president as a regional leader of Somaliland instead of president of Somaliland.” Yasir told SJS that Somaliland Attorney General charged him with being “anti-Somaliland.” but on 4 July, the Maroodi Jeh court in Hargeisa gave his freedom after finding no evidence against him.

On 22 June 2025, Somaliland police in the port town of Berbera arrested local journalist Abdirisaq Qaasim, who works for Saab TV.  His arrest followed allegations that he had anonymously published a report on a Facebook page not officially linked to him. The post mentioned two Somaliland officials: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sa’id Mire and MP Mohamed Khadar. The following morning, on 23 June, police transferred the journalist to Hargeisa, where he was held for a week in Hargeisa Central Prison. On 25 June, the same Facebook page published an apology statement referring to an earlier post critical of MP Mohamed Khadar and Deputy Speaker Sa’id Mire. However, the original article was no longer available as of the date of the apology. A journalist at Saab TV told SJS that Abdirisaq Qaasim was released on 25 June and that the case was resolved through clan negotiations. Both Deputy Speaker Mire and MP Khadar did not respond to SJS’s attempts to seek their comments.

Erigabo leads with journalists arrests

On 9 June 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Sa’id Muse Farah (known as Sa’id Qurbawi) for interviewing employees of the Erigabo TB Hospital who had raised complaints against the hospital’s director and that the hospital could not deliver essential services to the patients including food and treatment. The journalist was released on bail the following day. However, on 14 June, the Erigabo court fined him 800 Somaliland Shillings (approximately US$ 80) for publishing a critical report about the hospital director. Sa’id Qurbawi told SJS that he paid around $100 to secure his release, but insisted that his reporting and interviews were in the public interest. He also told SJS that the hospital director influenced the court’s decision in his favor.

On 29 May 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested local journalist Warsame Kaafi Abdirashid Aden after he published a vox-pop interview with a woman who alleged that she had been physically assaulted by the chairman of the Erigabo-based Sanaag Appeals Court. The interview was posted on 14 May on the journalist’s Facebook page, which has 26,000 followers. Warsame reported that the woman was the second to accuse the Sanaag Appeals Court chairman of physical assault following another woman who came out in January with similar allegation.

Warsame told SJS that instead of investigating the abuse allegations against the court official, he was arrested and held at Erigabo Prison for four days before being released without charge. He told SJS that his arrest was ordered by the appeals court chairman, who was upset by the report. The recent woman he interviewed was also arrested and held at a prison outside Erigabo, according to Warsame and local sources.

On 11 May 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Mohamed Abdi Hassan (known as Onkod) after he published a video report in which local clan members in Jiidali village, Sanaag region, threatened to take action against armed men in the area whom they accused of blocking the movement of commercial trucks along the road. A representative of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) told SJS that authorities accused the journalist of “inciting violence,” but he was released after three days in detention without being charged.

On 23 May 2025, police in Hargeisa arrested freelance journalist Abdiqadir Mohamed Aw-Hassan, who publishes content on his Facebook page. His arrest followed accusations that he had shared a now deleted video clip that was allegedly critical of President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro. According to two local journalists who initially saw the video, the clip was more of a “satirical piece”, depicting the Somaliland president in women’s clothing, which likely angered the authorities. Following his arrest, Abdiqadir was detained at Hargeisa Police Criminal Investigation Prison.  On 4 July, the Maroodi-Jeh court in Hargeisa sentenced him to six months in jail for “insulting the president.” However, the Somaliland Attorney General’s Office announced plans to appeal the verdict, a source who attended the court told SJS.  A representative of SOLJA told SJS that another court hearing is expected to review the Attorney General’s appeal.  Despite his imprisonment, Abdiqadir’s Facebook page remains active using “admin note” updates. The page has 78,000 followers.

On 20 March 2025, the Somaliland Intelligence Agency detained local journalist Yusuf Abdalle Yusuf, who publishes for the YouTube-based Xog Ogaal News. According to local media, national intelligence officers raided his hotel in Hargeisa and detained him around midday.  On 16 March, Yusuf had reported on the Xog Ogaal YouTube channel that some clan militias in El Afweyn, Sanaag region, had refused to join Somaliland forces and had instead mobilized themselves in a remote rural area. Following his detention, Yusuf was held at the intelligence headquarters for four hours, during which he was questioned before being released. Local media reported that he was warned not to speak publicly about his detention or the officers involved.

On 18 March 2025, police in Erigabo arrested journalist Abdiladif Sa’id Asayr after he published vox-pop interviews and Facebook posts featuring members of local clans who were displeased with the Somaliland government’s actions to exclude certain clan militias in the Sanaag region from recruitment into the Somaliland army. Journalists in the region told SJS that the arrest was ordered by the Somaliland Minister of Defense, who was reportedly displeased with the journalist’s report. Abdiladif was released a few days later. However, on 30 May 2025, Abdiladif was arrested again—this time in Hargeisa—reportedly on the orders of the Director General of the Somaliland Ministry of Interior. The arrest followed a Facebook post -now deleted- by the journalist alleging that the Director General had failed to contribute to development efforts in his home region of Sanaag. Abdiladif was released after spending four days in detention in Hargeisa. The Director General could not be reached for comment by SJS.

On 8 March 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested local journalist Mohamed Suute, who publishes on Facebook, after he posted vox-pop interviews with members of local clans criticizing the Somaliland government’s efforts to nationalize clan militias in the Sanaag region. His arrest was carried out without any warrant. He was released on 10 March 2025 without charge, following pressure from local journalists. This was the second time Mohamed Suute was arrested in 2025, indicating an increasing crackdown by local authorities on online criticism.

On 1 March 2025, Somaliland police in Erigabo arrested journalist Qayraan Aadan after he published vox-pop interviews on his Facebook page featuring members of local clans who were criticizing the Somaliland government’s efforts to nationalize clan militias in the Sanaag region. Local journalists and Qayraan himself told SJS that the arrest was ordered by the Somaliland Minister of Defense, who was reportedly displeased with the journalist’s reporting. A representative of SOLJA told SJS that the arrest was unlawful and confirmed that Qayraan was released on 4 March 2025, after spending three days in a cell in Erigabo. Following his release, Qayraan told SJS that his Facebook page, which had over 40,000 followers, was suspended due to multiple copyright claims—an act he believes was a deliberate attempt to suppress his critical reporting in the region.

“We are deeply alarmed by the growing pattern of arrests, detentions, and intimidation of journalists in Somaliland—especially in the Sanaag region,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “The arrests and detentions of 10 journalists between March and July this year who were arrested just for their reporting reflect a disturbing attempt to silence independent reporting through arbitrary detentions and politically motivated court proceedings. We urge Somaliland authorities to end these violations, stop targeting critical voices, and uphold the media freedoms guaranteed in their own constitution.”

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The criticism came at the close of a three-day opposition conference in Mogadishu, which included consultations with civil society groups, women, elders, and business leaders.

In a strongly worded statement, the Opposition Forum warned that the current trajectory of political decision-making under President Hassan Sheikh risks destabilizing Somalia’s recent security gains.

“This is a dangerous turn that could undo years of hard-won progress,” the statement read.

Allegations of Partisan Politics and Marginalization

The forum accused the president of marginalizing key federal member states—particularly Puntland and Jubaland—while promoting loyal administrations in South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle.

These regional leaders, the statement noted, have recently joined the president’s Union for Peace and Development Party (JSP), in what opposition leaders call a coordinated move to consolidate power.

“The illegal term extensions, partisan alignments, and dismantling of the National Consultative Council (NCC) point to President Hassan Sheikh’s authoritarian ambitions and a strategy to engineer a one-man election,” the communiqué asserted.

The group also condemned corruption, land grabbing, and the alleged misuse of public resources.

They raised alarm over secretive deals signed with foreign companies and governments involving Somalia’s natural resources—including oil, minerals, and fisheries—which they claim have enriched a small elite closely tied to the president’s family.

Press Freedom and Civil Liberties

The opposition expressed grave concern over increasing restrictions on press freedom. They cited a recent spike in journalist arrests and equipment seizures, particularly targeting reporters covering the controversial forced voter registration in Mogadishu.

“These actions are unacceptable and only worsen the already precarious safety of Somali journalists,” the statement added.

Calling for a return to constitutional order, the forum denounced the unlawful amendments allegedly made by the president to the Provisional Federal Constitution.

They urged the formation of an independent electoral commission and demanded inclusive, transparent elections.

“We call for an urgent national dialogue involving all stakeholders—federal leaders, state authorities, and opposition figures—to steer the country away from political collapse and the threat of extremism,” the leaders said.

Call for Renewed Dialogue with Somaliland

The group also urged a restart of stalled talks between Somalia and Somaliland, which broke down after Somaliland suspended negotiations.

The move followed what Hargeisa viewed as provocations by Mogadishu, including Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod.

The joint statement was endorsed by a host of influential Somali political figures, including: Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Former Parliament Speakers Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, Former Prime Ministers Abdi Farah Shirdon, Mohamed Hussein Roble, Hassan Ali Khaire, and Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame and MP Abdikadir Osoble Ali, Former Foreign Minister Ahmed Issa Awad, Former Ministers Abdinur Sheikh Mohamed, Abdullahi Abukar Haji, and Dahir Mohamud Geelle (who recently resigned as a presidential advisor).

The Mogadishu conference took place amid growing political tensions, with the opposition warning that without course correction, Somalia risks sliding back into authoritarianism and instability.

The post Somalia Opposition Slams President Hassan Sheikh’s Electoral Agenda, Warns of Democratic Backsliding appeared first on Kaab TV.

These actions constitute a blatant assault on press freedom and the public’s right to access and disseminate information. SJS calls on Somali authorities to immediately end these repressive measures and uphold the constitutional rights of journalists.

On Thursday, 22 May, Somali police in Mogadishu briefly arrested three journalists: Abdullahi Yusuf Hassan (reporter for RNN TV), Mohamed Hassan Geedi (cameraman for RNN TV), and Yahye Mohamud Hersi (cameraman for Himilo Somali TV). Two of the journalists told SJS that after their arrest, they were handed over to officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), who then transferred them to the Hodan District Administration office, where they were detained.

Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein, a reporter for Himilo Somali TV who was with the arrested journalists, told SJS she fled on foot after witnessing armed men attacking the journalists. The journalists had been covering a protest by local women meat sellers at the Zoobe Junction in Mogadishu, who were demonstrating against the demolition of their makeshift stalls.

According to the journalists, NISA officers confiscated their equipment and deleted the footage they had recorded. An editor at Himilo Somali TV told SJS they later received a threatening phone call from a NISA officer warning them not to broadcast anything related to the women’s protest or the demolitions. All three journalists said they were released later that afternoon under the condition that they do not publish any content about the protest or the demolitions—an agreement they were forced to accept in order to secure their release.

On Friday night, 23 May, police officers from Galmudug State in South Galkayo arrested online reporter Ali Maalin Nuur after he published a news report on his Facebook page about truck drivers and their vehicles being held at a roadblock outside Galkayo city, Mudug region. In the now-deleted video clip, the journalist reported that armed men at the roadblock—identified as members of the Galmudug security forces—had been demanding additional payments from the truck drivers, causing the trucks to be stranded for several days. Armed police officers raided the journalist’s house on Friday night and arrested him.

Ali Maalin Nuur told SJS that his arrest was ordered by the Governor of Mudug in Galmudug, Abdinasir Abdukadir Abdulle. He told SJS that he was detained overnight at the South Galkayo police station, and his name was not recorded in the occurrence book (OB). He was released on Saturday afternoon after being forced by the officers to delete the video from his Facebook page, which he did. Ali told SJS that he was not taken to court and believed he would not have received justice, as the police had threatened to keep him in custody if he refused to delete the report.  A senior official from the Galmudug State Ministry of Information told SJS that although the journalist had been released, they were following up with the governor who ordered the arrest, which the official described as illegal.

On Saturday, 24 May, agents of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) briefly detained four journalists in Mogadishu: Abdinasir Abduqadir Salah and Abdinasir Sayid Ali from Shabelle TV, and Abdirahman Abdulle Rooble and Hassan Ahmed Takow from SYL TV.  The journalists were collecting vox-pop interviews from the public on Maka Al-Mukarama Street, asking for opinions on the coalition of opposition politicians who had held an event in Mogadishu the previous day, Friday. They were taken to an open area near the Waberi Police Station, where they were interrogated, threatened, and ordered to delete their footage. Two of the journalists told SJS they were threatened with violence if they continued reporting critically on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

All four journalists were released without being officially booked or charged at the police station.

On Friday, 23 May, political opposition groups led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, and other members of parliament gathered at a mosque and religious site in Mogadishu. During the gathering, they delivered a public speech—widely broadcast by the media—condemning President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s autocratic actions in relation to the 2026 election. They called on the president to return to constitutional order.

On Saturday, 24 May, NISA agents in Mogadishu briefly arrested seven journalists while they were collecting public opinion on the country’s political situation. Two of the journalists, Ismail Yabarow Hassan and Mohamed Adan Hassan, were working for Somali Cable TV.  Four others—Ja’far Abdirisak Mohamed, Shukri Hashi, Ayanle Abdinur, and Sundus Ali Botan—were working for Goobjoog Media, while the seventh journalist, Abdirahman Ahmed Hassan, is a cameraman for Five Somali TV.

The journalists had been gathering public views on the political developments in Mogadishu and the recent statement by opposition politicians concerning the 2026 election. Somali Cable TV reported that their journalists were stopped by NISA officers and told they were “not allowed to conduct public opinion on the streets.”  All seven journalists had their equipment confiscated and their recorded material deleted. They were also warned not to conduct further interviews with the public. As a result, the journalists returned to their respective media outlets without completing their assignments.

On Saturday, 24 May, Anisa Ahmed Mohamed and Masud Abdirahman Yusuf, both working for Dalbile online TV, were conducting interviews when plain-clothed, armed NISA officers interrupted and chased them away from Maka Al-Mukarama Street. After the journalists left the area, the officers followed them to another location and again disrupted an interview they were conducting with members of the public. The journalists had been asking people for their views on the current political tension, following a recent statement by opposition groups condemning President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s actions in relation to the 2026 election.

Local media reported an increased presence of plain-clothed NISA agents armed with pistols along Maka Al-Mukarama Road, a popular area where journalists often gather public opinion. Journalists have reported their independent reporting has been effectively banned in areas surrounding Maka Al-Mukarama, including KM4. Media also reported the arrest of a prominent tuk-tuk driver and activist, Sayid Ali—commonly known as Saan Miyaa—who had spoken out against the growing suppression of the public by NISA agents.

“In the past 48 hours, we have witnessed a new wave of attacks against journalists in Mogadishu, carried out by members of NISA and the police. The arrest of 14 journalists—13 in Mogadishu and one in Galkayo—along with equipment seizure, deletion of content by the threat of violence and intimidation, marks an alarming escalation of repression that undermines press freedom and the very foundation of democracy in Somalia,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“These attacks on media workers are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. As we have said, these violations will not end until the perpetrators are held accountable,” added Mr. Mumin. “All journalists and media organizations need to stand united in defense of our rights and freedoms. We need action now. Let us also remind those behind these attacks that they will not get away with it; if not today, then certainly not tomorrow.”

(Source: SJS)

The post 15 Journalists Arrested Amid Crackdown on Media Covering Public Opinion and Political Tensions in Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.

In the first four months of 2025 alone, 46 journalists were detained across Somalia and Somaliland, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

The climate of fear is further illustrated by the confiscation of equipment from at least 29 journalists during the same period—most of whom also had their footage and materials deleted.

Mogadishu stands out as the most perilous city for media professionals.

On March 18, journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe was killed in a bomb attack near Villa Somalia, the presidential palace.

The attack was carried out by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which continues to target civilians and journalists through bombings and assassinations.

But journalists in Mogadishu are not only under threat from armed groups. Security forces—particularly the police and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)—routinely detain and intimidate reporters.

Of the 46 journalists detained since January, 41 were from Mogadishu alone. In Somaliland, five journalists were also arrested, and Universal TV was suspended—a ban that remains in effect.

The case of Risaala Radio highlights the dangers journalists face for simply doing their job. On March 18, shortly after the bombing, the station was raided by Mogadishu police, and 24 people were detained—including five journalists.

Abdihafid Nur, a journalist with Somali Cable TV, was among those arrested.

He had been reporting from the bombing site when police from the Mobile Checkpoints Unit detained them.

“By the time we reached the scene, the road had already been closed. We captured what we could. Then police arrived and forced us into a pickup truck. While in custody, we were ordered to delete all footage. Our cameras and devices were confiscated,” Nur recounted.

Ali Ibrahim Suheyfa, a journalist with Risaala Radio, was in the studio when the raid happened. The police were reportedly led by Abdi Ali, a former Al-Shabaab member now working with the authorities.

“We were the first radio station to broadcast news of the bombing targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Shortly after, the police stormed our offices and detained all of us,” Suheyfa said.

The station was shut down for several hours following the raid. After intense questioning, the five journalists were released.

“We returned to work, but fear gripped us. Some colleagues called their families, unsure if they’d be arrested again,” he added.

These acts of suppression extend beyond physical harassment.

Government officials, including those from the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Security, and the Banadir Police Commission, have openly threatened journalists.

On March 6, Minister of Information Daud Aweis warned that any journalist or member of the public who reported on security issues online would face arrest, punishment, and prosecution.

“We warn the media, social media users, and the public not to spread false information or distress regarding security,” he said.

That same day, Banadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Muumin—another ex-Al-Shabaab member now serving in government—threatened to detain journalists in “dark cells” if they reported on insecurity in Mogadishu.

“If [the journalist] is not bleeding now, we’ll make him sweat in a dark cell, God willing,” Polie commander Muumin declared.

Internet censorship has also become a tool for silencing critical voices. As traditional media outlets are suppressed, journalists increasingly rely on social media—especially Facebook—to report.

But even there, they face restrictions.

Between January and April, SJS documented at least eight cases where journalists had their Facebook accounts disabled or limited.

Mohamed Salah, founder of Ilsan Media in Puntland, was among those affected.

“My personal Facebook account was restricted for weeks. I received a message saying I was dead, and my page was marked as ‘memorialized,’” he said.

SJS contacted Meta, Facebook’s parent company, and eventually, Mohamed’s page—and those of other journalists—were restored. However, Meta never publicly acknowledged the issue.

Female journalists face even greater risks, including gender-based threats and workplace harassment.

Bahjo Abdullahi Salad was arrested on March 15 after posting a video showing rubbish left on the streets by officials at the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Early that morning, they arrested me and accused me of working with terrorists. I was forced to delete the video. It was only after my family intervened and fellow journalists protested that I was released,” Bahjo said. “But even now, NISA agents continue to monitor me.”

SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin denounced the ongoing attacks on journalists by both state forces and Al-Shabaab.

“It is unacceptable that both the terrorist group and Somali security forces—many of whom are former Al-Shabaab members—are targeting journalists, especially in Mogadishu,” he said. “We call for immediate action at national and international levels to protect journalists, hold perpetrators accountable, and safeguard media freedom.”

The post Somalia: A Dangerous Landscape for Journalists appeared first on Kaab TV.

With this strategic partnership, SJS solidifies its role as a formidable advocate for press freedom, empowering its members in the face of daunting challenges confronting media professionals in Somalia. The inclusion into the International Press Institute marks a significant milestone in our ongoing fight for media independence and journalist safety.

“We are thrilled to commemorate yet another achievement as we join the prestigious International Press Institute (IPI). This affiliation enhances SJS’s capacity to advocate effectively for media freedom in Somalia and equip our members with the necessary tools to navigate through critical situations impacting journalism in Somalia,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of SJS.

SJS serves as a national-level journalists’ union and a steadfast advocate for press freedom, relentlessly and courageosly safeguarding the rights of journalists while providing vital legal aid to those facing court cases arising from their journalistic work. Our mission is to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, and our collaboration with IPI reinforces this endeavor.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, SJS remains dedicated to promoting responsible journalism and defending the rights of those who courageously report the truth. Our partnership with IPI strengthens our collective commitment to preserving the fundamental principles of free and independent media.

“In these challenging times, SJS calls upon all stakeholders to recognize the critical role of a free press in upholding democracy, fostering transparency, and empowering the public with accurate information,” Mr. Mumin concluded, “Together, we can build a society that values press freedom and cherishes the tireless efforts of journalists striving for truth and accountability.”

The Somali Journalists Syndicate expresses its gratitude to the International Press Institute for welcoming us into its esteemed network and pledges to continue championing press freedom in Somalia and beyond.

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This success is now measured through successive trainings of the journalists and collaborations among local journalists and media defenders, as well as the engagement of the local community.

In September 2021, a ray of hope emerged when the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) initiated a training program focused on safety and media freedom. This groundbreaking initiative brought together reporters from both sides of the divided city, aiming to foster collaboration and improve the security of the media community in the region. The results were nothing short of remarkable.

“We wanted to improve the dire security conditions for local journalists. We understood that a divided city cannot protect journalists. I am pleased to say that our efforts bore fruit, as journalists from all sides now feel secure and capable of carrying out their duties,” said Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of SJS. “When journalists are safe, the community also feels safer.”

The training program, supported by funding from the Canadian Government through its Global Affairs Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), made a significant impact. A total of 141 journalists received training for a period of two years, with nearly half of them being female journalists, individuals from marginalized communities, and journalists with disabilities. The project encompassed participants from five regions in Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hirshabelle, Southwest, Puntland, Jubbaland, and Galmudug.

According to Mr. Mumin, the training sessions successfully addressed two crucial issues: raising awareness about the right to freedom of expression and enhancing the safety of journalists, both in physical and digital realms.

Zamira Abdi Ali from Puntland State TV also attested to the positive impact of the safety and security training, particularly for female journalists. Her approach and mindset shifted after the training, as she now conducts regular safety checks before assignments. “I am grateful to SJS and Canada for their support. I want to urge them that these successes we got from the trainings should be replicated in other regions so that many journalists across the country can be safe,” she added.

For years, Fadumo Mohamed Sharif in Jowhar had worked without any prior safety and security training, constantly aware of the risks associated with her profession due to the targeting of several journalists, including her colleagues, in the past. However, the SJS training proved to be a turning point in her career.

“The SJS training was the first of its kind for me. I couldn’t afford such training, and women often miss out on safety and security opportunities. Since completing the training, I have successfully undertaken several assignments. I diligently follow the instructions provided by the trainers,” she shared.

Addressing specific security concerns faced by female journalists

Women journalists, in particular, face additional challenges and threats in Somalia. Hence, the training sessions focused on addressing specific security concerns faced by female journalists, including mitigation of online and physical harassment and safety procedures during field assignments.

Hanad Ali Guled, the SJS Secretary of Training, highlighted the inclusion of trauma sessions in the training, which was a novel addition due to the scarcity of qualified psychotherapists working with journalists to address emotional, social, or mental issues.

“Journalists who cover traumatic events such as violence, disasters and other situations involving human pain often require to know how to care themselves and support each other,” Guled emphasised.

Journalists in regions like Gedo, situated on the Somali border with Kenya and Ethiopia, face unique hardships caused by violent conflict and severe humanitarian crises. Naima Abdi Mohamed, a 23-year-old journalist reporting for the local online platform Voice of Somali People, shed light on the challenges faced by journalists in the region.

“Our region has experienced numerous hardships, from climate shocks to conflicts. The local community faces extreme conditions, and we journalists are part of that community,” she explained.

Naima and other local journalists had the opportunity to benefit from the empowering training.

“Firstly, it allowed me to be trained alongside my male colleagues, which was a rarity in the past. Secondly, the training covered both physical and digital aspects, helping me understand the risks associated with my job, including online platforms,” Naima expressed. “Our training focused on the best safety and security practices, enabling me and my colleagues to work confidently and securely.”

Mumin acknowledges that the achievements attained thus far owe their existence to two critical factors: the support from Canada and the invaluable collaborations within the local community. He expresses deep gratitude for the generous support received from Canada, which, coupled with the collective efforts of local collaborators, paved the way for these remarkable successes. “I am truly thankful for the support extended by Canada and our local partners, as their contributions have been instrumental in our accomplishments,” he emphasizes appreciatively.

With safety and security risks increasingly affecting the professional duties of local journalists in Somalia, the training addressed these concerns head-on. The impact of the initiative, backed by Canada Global Affairs, has been profound and tangible on the ground. However, it is crucial to recognize that sustaining and further building upon this impact is a key challenge that needs to be addressed for long-term success and progress in the field.

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The announcement was made by Jubbaland’s information minister, Saleban Mohamed Mohamud, during a three-day meeting on strategic communication held on Monday, May 29. The conference was funded by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

According to journalists present at the meeting, Minister Mohamud emphasized that, given the ongoing war in the country, the “media should align with the government and disseminate propaganda news through social media”. This directive blatantly undermines the principles of neutrality and objectivity that independent media upholds.

Concerns were raised when UNSOM officers were observed to be present at the meeting hall during the minister’s announcement, causing further unease among local journalists.

Abdikhadar Iman of the Jubbaland Journalists Organization shared his experience, stating that he witnessed the minister issuing the new orders.

Miski Yusuf Ali, the director general of Jubbaland’s Ministry of Information, confirmed the imposition of the new policy by the minister during his address to journalists on the meeting’s third day. Miski also stated that UNSOM officials were supportive of their actions.

Jubbaland and Southwest authorities recently declared a new offensive against al-Shabaab militants who control significant portions of the two regional states.

The safety of local journalists has long been a concern in Kismayo. In July 2019, two prominent journalists lost their lives during an al-Shabaab attack on a popular hotel. Due to a shrinking space for media and safety concerns, dozens of local reporters have fled the city, as reported by local media associations.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) expressed serious concerns over the Jubbaland authorities’ announcement, particularly as it follows the October 8 directive by the federal Ministry of Information in Mogadishu, which banned independent media coverage of military operations. This directive led to the arbitrary detention and persecution of SJS secretary-general Abdalle Mumin in October 2022.

In accordance with the directive, Jubbaland intelligence officers arbitrarily detained Abdullahi Hussein Kilas, a journalist from Horn Cable TV and SJS press freedom coordinator, in the port city of Kismayo on October 23. Kilas had covered an attack on a hotel in the city center that day. He was released later after the authorities forced Horn Cable TV to remove his news report.

According to documentation by the SJS, the arbitrary detention, threats, restrictions, and denial of access to information have reached alarming levels throughout 2022. Furthermore, federal and local authorities have intensified their attacks on journalists covering the government-declared war against al-Shabaab in certain regions of the country. As a result, two prominent journalists lost their lives, ten others sustained injuries, 84 journalists were arrested, and seven media stations/offices were raided and closed due to their critical reporting in 2022.

The ban on independent media coverage imposed by Jubbaland authorities, combined with previous restrictive actions, raises concerns about press freedom and access to accurate information in Somalia.

The post No neutral reporting, Jubbaland authorities tell journalists amid UNSOM funded conference appeared first on Kaab TV.

On 10 May 2023, Police at the Criminal investigation Department (CID) summoned Ahmed Said Ahmed, an online reporter that also covers for Radio Kulmiye as news editor, according to the summon letter seen by SJS. Ahmed told SJS he was interrogated by police officer Hussen Aden Abdulle, the deputy commander of the CID about his investigative stories related to a government officials who reportedly vanished into foreign countries amid allegations of abuse of foreign visas. On 20 May, 2023, Radio Kulmiye, where Ahmed Said Ahmed confirmed their editor was summoned and interrogated by the criminal investigation department on 13 May, 2023 over complaints submitted by the unnamed government officials.

On 18 May 2023, Judge Salah Ali Mohamud, the chairman of the Banadir Regional Court in Mogadishu, launched a scathing verbal attack on journalists who were diligently reporting on corruption and injustices. Judge Salah not only pledged to suppress their reporting on issues pertaining to complaints about injustices in the country but also declared that criminal investigative agencies would initiate investigations against these journalists, accusing them of inciting ‘fitna‘ or civil strife—a label he deemed “a criminal act.”

On 20 May 2023, Office of the Somalia’s Attorney General summoned SYL TV journalist, Hussein Abdulle Mohamed where upon reaching was questioned by the government deputy attorney general, Mohamed Osman Mohamud about his recent reporting that exposed alleged corruption and power abuse involving the Attorney General Sulayman Mohamed Mohamud and another graft story implicating President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family members. Hussein told SJS that after one hour of questioning, he was subsequently released, with a cautionary notice that he could be called in for further interrogation by the police at any given moment.

SJS is particularly concerned by the use of new tactics including police summoning and interrogations meant to threaten journalists investigating allegations of corruption and other wrongdoings by known government officials which poses a grave threat to press freedom. Threatening and silencing journalists undermines the trust between the people and their institutions. It perpetuates a culture of secrecy and shields those who engage in corruption or injustice from public scrutiny and it prevents the public from making informed decisions.

“Without the freedom for journalists to fearlessly cover state wrongdoings, the path to transparency, accountability, and justice becomes obscured. The role of journalists in holding power to account is vital for a functioning democracy, as they act as the watchdogs that keep the government in check,” SJS Secretary-General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said “When journalists are threatened by the court judge or summoned by prosecutors for simply reporting allegations of corruption and injustices, the very essence of these fundamental rights is at stake. Such actions not only suppress the truth but also hinder the pursuit of good governance.”

“We condemn these recent attacks against journalists Hussein Abdulle Mohamed and Ahmed Said Ahmed in the strongest terms possible. We urge the Somali Federal Government to hold officials involved in these attacks accountable,” Mr. Mumin added.

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